gland

Meanings

Plural: glands

Noun

any of various organs that synthesize substances needed by the body and release it through ducts or directly into the bloodstream
A specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
A specialized cell, group of cells, or organ of endothelial origin in the human or animal body that synthesizes a chemical substance, such as hormones or breast milk, and releases it, often into the bloodstream (endocrine gland) or into cavities inside the body or its outer surface (exocrine gland).
A structure resembling a gland, especially a lymph node.
A secretory structure on the surface of an organ.
A compressable cylindrical case and its contents around a shaft where it passes through a barrier, intended to prevent the passage of a fluid past the barrier, used for example around a ship’s propeller shaft or around a tap, valve or faucet.

Origin / Etymology

Late 17th century borrowing from French glande, alteration of Old French glandre, from Latin glandulae (“throat glands, tonsils”), plural of glandula (“a little acorn”), from glāns (“an acorn”) + -ula (diminutive nominal suffix).

Synonyms

gland, secreter, secretor, secretory organ

Scrabble Score: 7

gland is a valid Scrabble (US) TWL word
gland is a valid Scrabble Word in Merriam-Webster MW Dictionary
gland is a valid Scrabble Word in International Collins CSW Dictionary

Words With Friends Score: 10

gland is a valid Words With Friends word